How Inpatient Units Support Patients and Families
At Big Bend Hospice, we know that for many people, home is where they want to be at the end of life. But we also recognize that sometimes, home just isn’t an option, whether due to complex symptoms, caregiver fatigue, or sudden changes in a patient’s condition.
That’s where our Inpatient Units (IPUs) come in, offering a vital, short-term level of care that brings comfort, relief, and peace of mind when it’s needed most.
What Is an Inpatient Unit (IPU)?
Our Inpatient Units are specialized hospice care settings designed to provide 24/7 nursing care and symptom management in a peaceful, home-like environment. Unlike a hospital, IPUs are centered around the goals of comfort and dignity, not curative treatments.
They are appropriate for patients who are:
- Experiencing uncontrolled pain or distressing symptoms
- In need of intensive support that cannot be safely provided at home
- Eligible for a short-term respite stay when caregivers need a break
- Nearing the final days of life and require acute symptom management
While we understand the desire for a peaceful place during life’s final chapter, our Inpatient Units are reserved for patients who meet specific medical criteria based on Medicare hospice guidelines. They are not intended for general end-of-life placement or as a holding space while families explore long-term care options. Each admission is thoughtfully considered to ensure that the level of care provided truly meets the patient’s immediate clinical needs.
When Families Need a Break (and a Breather)
Caring for a loved one at home can be both rewarding and overwhelming. There are moments when even the most dedicated caregivers need support, emotionally, physically, and medically. IPUs allow families to step back from the demands of caregiving and focus on simply being present with their loved one, while our hospice team provides round-the-clock care.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged. Families can spend time at the bedside, hold hands, share stories, and say goodbye in a setting designed for intimacy and peace.
Dignity, Comfort, and Compassion, Every Step of the Way
Our IPUs are staffed by experienced hospice nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers who understand the delicate nature of end-of-life care. Every detail, from the quiet rooms and warm lighting to the personalized care plans—is thoughtfully designed to honor the individual and their journey.
Our team also works closely with the patient’s existing care team to ensure continuity, coordination, and a smooth transition, whether the stay is brief or extends into the final days.
A Bridge, Not a Final Stop
Many patients who enter an IPU return home after a short stay, once symptoms are managed and stability is regained. For others, the IPU becomes the place where they spend their final days, with comfort, control, and the full support of their hospice team.
We’re Here When Home Isn’t Possible
At Big Bend Hospice, we believe that every person deserves to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by compassionate care. Whether at home, in a nursing facility, or in one of our Inpatient Units, our mission remains the same: to provide comfort, support, and peace of mind to patients and families across our community.
If you or someone you love is in need of hospice care and home isn’t a safe or sustainable option, know that you are not alone. Our Inpatient Units are here for you, a place of calm in life’s most difficult moments.
To learn more about our Inpatient Unit services or to speak with a hospice nurse, call us at (850) 878-5310 or Make a Referral